"Fans of Chrono Cross Rejoice!"

It was just about two weeks ago that I decided to import this game, and while not understanding any Japanese makes for a somewhat frustrating experience, it was worth the $62.00. I originally picked this game up because I heard it was a lot like Chrono Cross, which is, in my mind the greatest rpg of all time. Contrary to what many stores, such as Gamestop are saying, an offical release by Namco has not been announced, so I jumped at the chance to buy what I hoped was a second coming of Chrono Cross. While a little bit short of that, I am very pleased with the Japanese version, and will buy the American version if it comes out, just to find out what the heck the story is about.

Story- I can't understand any Japanese, but the story still had a great impact on me. Lots of plot twists and surprises. The only problem I found wrong with the story were the characters. Chrono Cross had dozens of likable characters, and while many weren't important, most of them were likable. I didn't feel a connection to the characters here, but perhaps it was just the language gap that made me feel that way. I could tell the story is completely original, and not cliche at all, however, which is why I give the story an 8/10.

Sound and Music- In a word: Wow. This game has a very great soundtrack and tons of high quality voice acting. The soundtrack is VERY similar to Chrono Cross, everything from the battle theme (The True Mirrior) to town themes. However, I still find Chrono Cross' s soundtrack to be better, because it had a much more serious tone than some of Baten Kaitos' more happy music. In terms of battle music, Baten Kaitos has a lot more variety than Chrono Cross, and all of the battle themes are excellent. Sound effects, while good, are nothing you haven't heard before, but they are of high quality. All in all, great sound and music, but just short of the amazing quality found in Chrono Cross.

Score- 9.5/10
Gamefaqs score-9/10

Graphics- For graphics freaks out there looking for the best looking rpg out there, look no further. Baten Kaitos has THE best graphics seen in any rpg to date. Again, the graphics are very much like Chrono Cross, from the art style to the bright colors. If you thought Chrono Cross had amazing graphics back when it came out, just wait till you see this game. The backgrounds are amazing, from a stagnant pond on a forest to trees blowing in the breeze in your home village. The backgrounds are unrivaled, and no rpg even comes close to their quality. The characters, however, are a mixed bag. Many times the backgrounds are so amazing that instead of an up close view of the characters you have a panned out almost bird's eye view. This makes the characters appear to be very small and not very detailed. However, there are many cases, such as in buildings when characters are very large, and very detailed. Think Xenosaga characters only much more detailed. All of the main characters also have character portraits when they talk, which is another plus. Battle graphics are a mixed bag as well. If only battles featured the same backgrounds seen in dungeons and towns, then the graphics would be almost flawless. In one area early in the game there is a dungeon featuring whispy clouds and puffs of smoke everywhere. It is truly a work of art. However, once you enter a battle these amazing looking clouds become typical Final Fantasy-esque backgrounds. The characters in battle are still very detailed, only slightly less than perfect. Each card you use in battle has a portrait, creating a picturesque battle system that makes this game very import friendly. All in all, the graphics are the best seen in an rpg today, and the backgrounds are unmatched. Just hope this game holds up by the time it is to be supposedly released in November. I give the graphics a 9.6, but for gamefaqs purposes I give them a...

Score- 9.6/10
Gamefaqs Score-9/10

Gameplay- Again, a lot like Chrono Cross. The game starts very linear, and it is not late into the game that you can backtrack. Enemies are displayed on the battle maps themselves, and it is possible to avoid many enemy encounters. Words cannot describe the battle system. While not the best, it ranks highly among the rpg elite. I was myself turned off by the card battling aspect I had read about in previews, but once in action I realized it works quite well. Consider the cards you use as the elements in Chrono Cross or the Materia in Final Fantasy VII (The most overrated game of all time). Each of the five characters can allocate a certain ammount of cards to fight with, depending on how much you level up. There are many cards that every character can use, but many that are unique to just one character. As the battle starts, each character in your party has a certain number of cards that they can use. These cards appear in a random order, so those gamers who cannot stand to "go with the flow" should steer clear of this game. The luck aspect of this game makes it very rewarding when certain cards just seem to all come together in a huge attack that destroys the enemy. The battle system is all about how you play the cards that are given to you, and involves certain times button presses, much like Legend of Dragoon. The battle system is awesome, and while I cannot understand Japanese, every card has a portrait, so it is understandable and fun. (Although I still have no idea what some cards do.) Outside of battle it is a pretty typical rpg- Find X, bring X an item, get X item, use it and so on. It's not nearly as dull as it sounds, and is quite fun considering the sheer size of the towns that you have to explore. There is no world map in a true rpg sense. Much like the Lunar games, world map travel simply involves going from point A to B with no battles whatsoever. I myself have never enjoyed complex world maps such as those in Xenogears or Final Fantasy VII, but those looking for a huge world to explore may be dissappointed. All in all, the gameplay is great. It is sometimes frustrating not to know what to do just because of the language gap, but so be it. I'm sure that if this game is released in the US the gameplay score will be much higher. All in all, the gamplay is great, but not as epic as Chrono Cross.
Score- 9.2/10
Gamefaqs Score- 9/10

Here's a recap-

Pros-

. The best graphics thus far in an rpg
. Great soundtrack and tons of voice
. Great battle system
. Very much like Chrono Cross.
. Finally a great Gamecube rpg.

Cons-

. Characters are somtimes a bit small
. Sound effects are nothing you haven't heard before
. Pretty typical rpg gameplay outside of battles.

I still haven't beaten the game, but it seems to be long and replayable. As far as I know there are lots of sidequests for those that want to do everything. Even great as in import, Baten Kaitos is almost like a second coming of Chrono Cross...And who knows? If it comes out in the US, Chrono Cross may have a run for its money.

Score- 9.3/10
Gamefaqs score- 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/04